Smoking rate up from 27% to 29% since 2002

The proportion of people who smoke in Ireland has increased over the past seven years despite the introduction of the workplace smoking ban and significant increases in the price of cigarettes.

New figures from the Department of Health put the overall smoking rate at 29%, compared to 27% in 2002.

The rate of smoking is higher among women at 31%, compared to 27% of men.

Smoking is also more popular among younger age groups, with more than one-third of 18- to 29-year-olds now engaging in the habit.